GM donated scrap vehicle sound absorption material to help insulate coats that transform into sleeping bags for the homeless, an initiative led by a Detroit humanitarian.

Scrapped battery covers for the Chevrolet Volt were converted into nesting boxes for wood ducks, screech owls and bats.

In a good bit of PR a few years ago, GM converted 227 miles of oil-soaked booms off the Alabama and Louisiana coasts from the British Petroleum oil spill into a production year’s worth of air deflectors in the electric Chevrolet Volt.

Through these and other recycling activities, GM generated a total of $2.5 billion in revenue between 2007 and 2010. While about half of GM's plants are now landfill-free, the company says its progress is hampered in some parts of the world -- and even in some parts of the U.S. -- where the infrastructure to support recycling is lacking.

That's why GM met this week with a group of automakers, suppliers, waste management companies and government officials in Tennessee to promote more recycling.

“Compared to other regions where GM has plants, the Southeast has opportunity to build up its recycling economy,” said Bradburn. “By connecting local recyclers – and those with potential – with area companies, we can start to address the gaps and build a more robust infrastructure that will help the auto industry and beyond to leave a smaller footprint.